Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Michael J. Petrocelli, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., C.W.S.P.
Board Certified Ankle and Foot Surgeon and Board Certified Wound Care Specialist
If you suffer from heel pain, you are well accompanied by over a million others that see their doctor for heel pain each year. The most common foot and heel discomfort is caused by a painful disorder known as plantar fasciitis.
The foot is comprised of many different bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments; these include the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a band of ligament tissue. It stretches from the heel of your foot to the middle, and it is responsible for reinforcing and supporting your arch. When this area becomes inflamed due to extreme tension on the ligament, pain erupts every time you take a step, and if left untreated, many people will even experience discomfort while at rest.
Because plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot issues; one in ten people will experience it at some time in their life. Usually, the pain is concentrated in the heel area, and it is generally caused by small injuries that occur over an extended period of time. It’s quite common for heel spurs, which are bony protrusions under the heel bone to coincide with plantar fasciitis.
There are many treatment options that you can do at home with the guidance of your podiatrist to try and alleviate the painful symptoms of plantar fasciitis. But, because of weight bearing, this area of the foot, in particular, is challenging to heal on its own, The key to getting your foot health back to normal, and you free from pain is to have medically based procedures provided by your podiatrist.
Treatment Options
Rest
Rest is one of the most important aspects of healing plantar fasciitis. It can take between 6 and 18 months for the issue to resolve completely. Taking it easy on the arches whiel you are healing is important.
Arch Supports & Orthotics
Arch taping or using orthotics can help to alleviate pressure and some of the pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
Stretching Exercises
Dynamic stretches can be very helpful to relax and create more flexibility within the tendon. Your podiatrist will give you a detailed list of exercises that you can safely do at home.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Ice and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can help to reduce inflammation. These work best in conjunction with other treatments.
Ultrasound- Guided Corticosteroid Injections
This is an innovative treatment available from Collier Podiatry It allows the podiatrist to view the precise placement of the cortisone injectable via an advanced ultrasound machine to make certain that all of the pain and tension relieving material is placed accurately.
Laser Treatment
Laser therapy is one of the top methods to reduce your pain and inflammation. Deep tissue laser therapy uses a process called photobiomodulation, which penetrates deep into the muscles tissues using photon energy. This therapy increases cellular metabolism while decreasing inflammation and pain.
Collier Podiatry sees great results in their patient’s foot health with this treatment option. The best part is that there are no side effects, no harmful medications and more importantly, long lasting results.
Collier Podiatry
Dr. Michael Petrocelli has been practicing podiatric medicine for well over 20 years. He is an expert in his field and a leader to his peers. If you are experiencing any foot pain or foot conditions, please contact Collier Podiatry. Their kind and well-trained staff are ready to answer your questions and concerns and get you back on your feet again.
Contact Collier Podiatry to make your
appointment. Please visit their website at www.collierpodiatry.com, or call them at (239) 775-0019
Collier Podiatry, P.A.
Michael J. Petrocelli
D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., C.W.S.P.
239-775-0019
www.collierpodiatry.com
NCH Countryside Commons
1715 Heritage Trail, Suite 204
Naples, FL 34112
Phone: (239) 775-0019
Fax: (239) 775-0219
